Calamondin(citrus madurensis)

Origin

A small mandarin like fruit from the Orient, the Calamondin commonly grown for ornamental purposes. This variety is widely cultivated in the Philippines, Hawaii, United States and Europe and is often given as a gift during the Chinese New Year to signify good luck. The leaves are small and dense, giving the tree a fine textural appearance, and the fruits are small, round and orange at full maturity. Widely used as a house or patio plant, the fruits are very sour when eaten raw but can be processed into preserves and jams.

Flowering/Fruiting

The Calamondin produces intensely perfumed flowers from March onwards. Fruit matures by November and can stay on the tree for more than six months. The fruits grow up to 4cm in diameter and have a very fine rind that becomes loose as the fruit ripens. The leaves are small and dark-green with a rounded tip.